Wandsworth Common

A Memory of Wandsworth.

Lived at 26 WestSide from late 40s until the underpass was built, then to Morville House in later 1960s. Loved being able to cross Trinity Road to the common where I spent many hours with different friends, often playing football and cricket. The Frying Pan was wonderful as was the 4 walled building by it which often had water and rubble which was a real invitation for 'bombing' the puddles. I attended Allfarthing as an infant then to Swaffield Boys and onto Emanuel after passing 11+. Friends included Andrew Noble who lived in Acris Street, The 3 MacNamara Boys, David Price and Chris Bull from the small block of flats on Westside. Other friends lived in and around that network of streets behind Westside and Trinity Road. At Emanuel, friendships made from different parts of south London, many of whom I still see when time (and lockdown) allows. Watched Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (and still do) for many years from when I was about 8 or 9 with my dad. Had pretensions about being a footballer, boosted by a season with Wimbledon when I was 16. Enjoyed that but nowhere near good enough; played Sunday League football from Westside FC for several years until a knee injury stopped that. But played again in higher ed and then ran teams at the schools where I worked; vicarious enjoyment!
Those early days in the 50s and 60s were a joy. The freedom of being able to use the common, go to pictures in Wandsworth High Street and Clapham Junction, travelling on trains and buses all over London, the paper round that gave me money to do that, Saturday jobs at Selfridges and Harrods, holiday jobs on building sites, local factories and Arding & Hobbs all gave me a real sense of belonging to the area. No rose tinted glasses though. Just warm memories of a time gone by now, but such a formative time.